MADE Branding Agency Going Strong as it Celebrates 6 Years
President & Principal Michelle Ledford and Executive Creative Director and Principal Allen Reed MADE something of their new venture together, and now that company, MADE, is six years old and going strong.
The boutique branding and marketing agency celebrated its sixth year in June, and along with growing the business, it continues to give back to the community.
“In 2017, when Michelle and I formed MADE after purchasing our previous agency, we were anxious to use our complementary strengths in strategy and creative to build a successful company,” Reed said. “Over the last six years, we’ve been able to achieve success by bringing together our talented core team with individuals who have specific skills, allowing us to work more efficiently and effectively.”
Allen said the expertise the company has attained in branding, marketing and digital “has enabled us to elevate our clients’ presence in their industries, effectively connect with their target audiences and exceed their own goals. Through these strong partnerships, we’ve gained valuable insights to create fresh marketing strategies and unique branding that has delivered exceptional results.”
The company consistently scores high in competitions and has won numerous Gold and Silver ADDY awards from the American Advertising Federation. It has also been named one of USF’s 56 Fastest Growing Bull-owned businesses in 2021 and 2022.
Brandathon
Each year, MADE holds Brandathon, a 24-hour period where everyone on the team works on a project for a local nonprofit. This year they accomplished this:
- MADE’s sixth birthday!
- Ledford built an annual marketing strategy for the Rotary Twilight 5k benefiting Common Ground Playground.
- Reed designed a new logo for the SPCA Florida’s Inaugural 5k Run and a volunteer T-shirt design for kidsPACK.
- Senior Art Director Cindy Joyce worked on a new website for Friends at Colt Creek State Park.
- Brand Manager Erin Hollenkamp strategized an annual marketing strategy for Achievement Academy.
- Assistant Brand Manager Taylor Nobbe completed an annual marketing strategy for International Microgreens Growers Association Florida.
“Our county has so many nonprofits providing valuable services to our community. So Brandathon, while tiring for that short time, is a rewarding opportunity to be able to support their work,” Hollenkamp said. “Over the past 12 years, we’ve been able to help more than 80 nonprofits with over $600,000 worth of design and strategy.”
The time leading up to Brandathon is a whirlwind – and includes some fun, she said.
“In addition to wrapping up client work, we prepare by stocking up on coffee and snacks, creating a themed playlist and bringing games to help spark those creative juices during the early morning hours. The 24 hours of Brandathon is a good time, and being together as a team for 24 hours is a unique bonding experience.”
Polk Plays
Another recent initiative was for the Florida Children’s Museum. Polk Plays is described as “your go-to resource to find support, tips and tricks on how to help your child be a successful student,” according to Polkplays.org.
“Getting to work with the Florida Children’s Museum to develop the logo and website for Polk Plays was rewarding because of the valuable service that the initiative offers to Polk County families,” Hollenkamp said. “Similar to the museum’s branding, Polk Plays needed to reflect the whimsical, fun nature of play, while also appealing to the educational component of what the museum offers.”
The Future
Reed and MADE are excited for the future.
“As our industry is rapidly adjusting to new methods and technologies, MADE is keeping pace by staying up-to-date, investing in our staff and keeping our clients informed,” Reed said. “We genuinely care about our clients and firmly believe that our success stems from the trust and confidence they have placed in us. Moving forward, our primary focus is on growth, building upon our momentum and consistently delivering outstanding results for our clients.”
